Anahat Singh’s victory at the World Junior Squash Championship was more than just a trophy; it was a definitive closing statement on a remarkable junior career and the opening bell for a high-stakes future in the senior ranks. Having dominated the junior circuit, the 18-year-old phenom is now pivoting with laser-like focus toward the senior arena, carrying a newfound confidence that has been a decade in the making.
“I think it’s a good way to end my junior career,” Anahat told Timesofindia.com. “I’ve been playing squash for 10 years, and it’s a good note to end it on so I can start my senior career confidently.”
The timing of this transition could not be more critical. As she steps into the senior spotlight, she faces the grueling demands of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Seeded third in a competitive women’s singles draw, Anahat is eyeing more than just podium glory; she is racing toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With squash set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, the winner of the Asian Games gold will secure a vital quota spot, turning the continental event into an audition for the biggest stage in world sport.
The Asian Games comes next
For Anahat, the shift from junior dominance to senior competition is not just a change in environment—it is a change in philosophy. Having already secured two bronze medals at the Hangzhou Games—in the team event and mixed doubles—she is well-versed in the intensity of the continental competition. However, this time, the stakes are elevated.
“The Asian Games is way more important. It’s a pivotal point in my career as I look toward LA 2028,” she noted. “But I’m focused on one thing at a time. My parents have always taught me that once an event is over, you enjoy it for a few days, and then you shift your focus entirely to the next.”
This measured approach has been bolstered by a transformative moment last December in Hong Kong. During an early senior tournament, Anahat pushed a top-20 ranked Belgian player to four games in a grueling 3-1 match. That performance served as a psychological turning point, validating her belief that she belonged among the world’s elite. “That was one of the moments where I realized I had so much fun on court and I could imagine myself doing this for the next 15 years,” she said.
The people behind the player
Anahat’s rapid ascent is not a solo endeavor. She has been bolstered by an elite inner circle, most notably the guidance of squash legends Gregory Gaultier and Saurav Ghosal. The presence of a former world No. 1 in Gaultier and a trailblazing veteran in Ghosal has provided Anahat with a tactical and mental blueprint that few young athletes have access to.
“Being around them in that environment is a game-changer,” Anahat explained. “They have experienced everything I am beginning to encounter. They’ve played a huge role in teaching me the psychological and physical aspects of the game.”
That physical development has recently become a primary objective. Acknowledging that she spent much of her youth avoiding the rigors of heavy gym work, Anahat has begun a more structured fitness regime. A recent visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center provided the data-driven clarity she needed to transition into the senior game. “The testing helped me see the details of what I need to work on. It isn’t just an overview; I now know exactly what I need to do to compete with the top 10 and top 20 players,” she added.
PV Sindhu, her sister and the family behind her
Beyond her immediate coaches, Anahat draws inspiration from India’s sporting icons. Long before she was a champion herself, she was a young girl watching badminton star PV Sindhu at the Siri Fort complex. That early exposure to greatness left a lasting impression, shaping her understanding of what it takes to excel on the international stage.
“I’ve seen her at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games villages, learning how she carries herself off the court,” Anahat said. “She is an inspiration to so many. Hopefully, I can take some of the things she’s done for the country and reach a similar level in squash.”
Crucially, Anahat credits her family for the foundation upon which her career is built. With an older sister who paved the way in the sport, and parents who have managed the logistics of international travel, coaching, and behind-the-scenes demands, Anahat has been free to focus on the court. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents. They’ve done everything for me, and they continue to be there for my training and my matches.”
India’s history, Anahat’s singles opportunity
India’s squash pedigree continues to grow, with 18 Asian Games medals currently in the national tally. Legends like Joshna Chinappa have paved a path, and Anahat is clearly the torchbearer for the next generation.
When asked about her definition of success, Anahat shies away from empty medal counts, favoring personal evolution instead. “If I’m satisfied with the way I’m playing and the work I’ve produced, that is success to me,” she said. “Whether it’s winning one very important medal or 100, if I’ve done enough for my country, my family, and myself, then I’ve succeeded.”
For now, the mantra remains simple: one match, one step, and one tournament at a time. With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games looming, Anahat Singh is ready to prove that her junior success was merely the prologue to a much larger, more ambitious story.
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